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Ground Broken for Three New 2020 Richmond Public Schools

Richmond Mayor Levar M. Stoney was joined this morning by Richmond Public Schools (RPS) Superintendent Jason Kamras and other city officials to break ground on three new 21st century public schools with 21st century technology, education and safety amenities: a new George Mason Elementary School, a new E.S.H. Greene Elementary School and a new middle school to replace the existing Elkhardt Thompson Middle School.

“These new public schools are another important step toward fulfilling the city’s commitment to our children,” said Mayor Stoney. “This $150 million investment was made possible by our community, in a united and concerted effort benefitting from every resident and city visitor who eats in our amazing restaurants. The plan worked; students will be attending these three new public schools years sooner than they would have otherwise, had we done nothing.”

Following a public process of community engagement and neighborhood meetings, the chosen designs of these new schools were made by Richmond parents, students, teachers and other city residents. Citizens voted for their preferred prototype and design styles, which were later approved by the city’s school board.

"I'm filled with gratitude today,” said RPS Superintendent Kamras. “Thank you to the mayor for putting the meals tax on the table, to the council for passing it and to RVA for eating out and getting us to this day. I look forward to even more groundbreaking ceremonies as we work together to ensure all of our children attend school in the first-class facilities they deserve."

The new George Mason Elementary School will accommodate 750 students while the new Greene Elementary School will accommodate 1,000. The new middle school will accommodate 1,400 students. All three schools are state-of-the-art and designed to include school and community green space, be energy efficient, LEED Silver Certified and feature highly-advanced security systems.

These three new schools are expected to be completed and open for students in the 2020 school year.